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Prove and illustrate the universality of the connection. Illustrations may be found in every age and every sphere. See the idea of a Nemesis; and show that pointing out this connection is the commonplace of the moral and religious teacher.

I. SEE CLEARLY WHAT SIN IS. Give the theories about sin; but apart from theory, or doctrine, endeavour to understand what sin is

(1) in itself;

(2) in its power of growth;

(3) in its subtle and mischievous influences;

(4) in its interference with the Divine order;

(5) in its relations with the Divine Law;

(6) in the sight of God, as intimated in the Scriptures.

When a suitable impression is gained of what sin is, we are prepared to -

II. SEE WHY IT MUST BE MET WITH JUDGMENTS. Because

(1) it beclouds man's conscience, and judgment alone removes such clouds;

(2) it subverts Divine authority, and such authority judgments alone can vindicate;

(3) it interferes with the Divine plans and purposes, and these judgments alone can rectify. The importance of the relation between sin and suffering, transgression and judgment, is best shown by the effort to realize what would now be the moral sentiments of men if this connection had not been assured, and men could now plead that any one of their number had ever sinned with impunity. So essential, indeed, is the connection, that when God grants forgiveness of the sin he seldom, if ever, interferes with the external consequences of the wrong. They are left to work on their severe but beneficent mission. Judgment, in both the small and the large spheres, is the minister, the angel, of the Divine mercy; and we may bless God for his judgments. Note also that Christ, as man, came, for man, under Divine judgments, because he was the Representative of sinners. - R.T.

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KJV: So Gad came to David, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Choose thee

WEB: So Gad came to David, and said to him, "Thus says Yahweh, 'Take your choice: